Carlton Razor V1.2 Review

Specs

Head light

Flexible

Length = 670 mm

Intro

The Razor V1.2 is the third in the Razor series of rackets and is the most flexible and headlight In the series. The racket is strung with Carlton X67 at 22lbs.

Appearance

The V1.2 is quite a conservative white colour with various splashes of black throughout the frame. It is a good looking racket but maybe slightly overshadowed by its two brothers, both of which have great looking frame graphics and colour combinations. It also comes with an attractive full length racket cover.

Initial impressions - the warm up

Having come from a slightly head heavier racket the V1.2 felt very light and my timing was slightly off to begin with. Due to being head light the racket cut through the air very quickly and it was soon apparent that this would be great during mid-court fast exchanges and in defence. Due to the Razor guided technology the shuttle felt very crisp coming off the strings.

Defence

As first thought this racket is very good in defence. Due to the headlight balance it is very easy and quick to get the racket head into position to defend either smashes or mid court drives. Due to the speed of the racket it is also easy to turn defence into attack as well.

Net area

the V1.2 was very easy to use around the net. I found it very easy to control the speed the racket offered and consequently control the shuttle at the net

Mid-court exchanges

For me this racket is great during fast flat exchanges. It cuts through the air very quickly enabling me to either return fast drives with interest or use my opponents power to direct the shuttle into the open court.

Overhead performance

Due to the light weight frame combined with the head light balance of the racket I sometimes found to difficult to clear baseline to baseline effectively, particularly on my back hand side. I felt I had to put a lot of effort into the clears.

I also found the V1.2 slightly lacking in smash power but having said that Carlton do not rate this racket for players who want extreme power. For net kills it was fine but from the mid to back court it fell short on the power front.

Summary

Overall I was impressed with the performance of the racket and this would make a great racket for a defensive minded doubles player. Although I struggled slightly with the power aspect someone with quick arm speed may not have the same experience and be able to generate power from it.